Two weeks ago, a beloved brother told me how his secondary school friend took his own life. He was shocked at the news because he never expected someone so close to him could end his own life in such a tragic manner. The rate of suicide as a result of depression is on the increase. According to a World health Organization reports, an estimated 300 million people have depression. Research has it that most deaths that occurs through suicide have been linked to one form of depression or the other. As tragic as the statistics on depression is, overcoming depression is clearly spelt out in the word of God.

The challenge is that a lot of people don't want to reckon with what the Scriptures says and so, they find it very difficult to embrace it as a panacea to their many life problems and confrontations. The bible made it clear in Romans 1:28 that as people do not like to retain God in their consciousness, God gave them over to a reprobate mind to do things that are not convenient (paraphrased). Sliding into depression is not convenient! Many people in depressing states cannot even categorically explain how they got there. Many of them just suddenly realise that they have lost touch with existence, and the next thing they want to do is to end their own life.

A strong refusal to retain God in one's consciousness is a dangerous mode to be in, as the mind in such situations would give room to all manner of attacks and manipulations of the devil. Depression is a manipulation of the devil, and what the devil does is to keep people in that zone of life for a long period of time and then push them to take their own lives, cutting short their destinies. The devil can give you one million reasons to take your own life - he can show you how unqualified you are for a beautiful life, he can show why you are not good in yourself, he can tell you all manner of excuses not to continue living again, and so pushing you into a depressive mode.

The devil is the root cause of everything. The Scriptures says in John 10:10 that his mission is in three fold: to steal, to kill and to destroy! He steals peoples joy, it kills them ultimately and then destroy everything good that their destiny has to offer. When you understand how the devil works and his operations, you will never allow him push you to the extreme of life where it appears as if you are the only one against the world. He came to Jesus and tempted him three times, but Jesus overcame him by the word of God. You see, if you would embrace the word of God, you can never be boxed to a corner by the devil.

How can you then overcome depression?

Let us begin from the basics. The first thing you must do is to embrace the love of God. You see, God's love for you is more than what you can fathom. Most of the times, our human minds cannot get to the depth of God's love, His Mercies and Goodness towards us. The truth about this love is that it does not discriminate. God's love towards you is not because you are White or Black, it is not on the basis of race or gender, He loves each and everyone unconditionally. And whether you agree to this fact or not, it is God's desires that you embrace this love. John 3:16 says when you embrace this love, you will not perish but have everlasting life. In other words, embracing God's love sends far away from you any thoughts of depression or suicidal thoughts.

In God's love, you have this assurance that even if the whole world turns their back against you, the love of God is there to always embrace you. In your difficult and trying times, in your solitary moments, God is always there for you. God isn't far away as some have come to think, No! God is closer to you than you think, He is always there even when it appears you cannot see Him. He says in His word that "I am with you, even till the end of the earth." Embrace the love of God today and watch your life turn a new leaf.

Having embraced the word of God, another thing you must do is to never allow anxiety anywhere you anymore. Anxiety has been discovered to be one of the factors that makes people slides into depression. Even the Scriptures makes this clear in Proverbs 12:25. It says: "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad" Isn't it funny that what many people are anxious about are the mundane things of this world? Most of the times, people are anxious about how they want to measure up with the society, they want to drive big cars and live in big mansions, they want to live la Vida Local, and most times, when they don't meet up to societal expectations, they slide into anxiety and then, become depressed in the long run.

But the word of God is clear about anxiety! Philippians 4:6-7 makes it clear. It says: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." According to that Scripture, there is nothing that should make you anxious, because when you are not anxious, depression would never surface. It is as clear as that! And when you further read down, it says the "peace of God will guard your hearts and minds." There is something very fundamental here. The devil attacks people's hearts and minds, this is the medium through which he gains access to people's lives.

When your heart and mind is established in God and gets rooted in God's word, it means you would have successfully blocked the devil out of your life. It is as simple as that. Get your mind rooted on the word of God, and depression will never have its way into your life.

Lastly, put your hope and trust in the Lord, and not in man! When you trust in man or any institution that is man-made, you are bound to be disappointed. The ultimate hope is in God, who does not disappoint. Numbers 23:19 says God is not man that lies or the son of man that repents or changes His mind. When you put your trust in the Lord, you will not be moved. Even if everything around you is shaking, and discouragements is starring at you in the face, the Scripture says you shall not be moved. How do I know this? Psalm 125:1 says "Those who trust in the Lord Are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever.  As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the Lord surrounds His people From this time forth and forever."

When you repose your trust and confidence in God, you are unmovable! The economy does not move you, as your confidence is in God and not on the economy. You are surrounded by God and even the devil would not have a foothold on your life and destiny. So, trust in the Lord and be of good courage and the Lord shall strengthen your heart. Don't give room to anxiety, don't give room for the devil to toil with your mind and heart, trust in the Lord always, and He will always come through for you.

I believe you have been blessed. Thanks for reading and please do share if this piece has blessed you tremendously. God bless you.